Chaplain Resident (Non-Exempt)

About the Role

The Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Resident provides spiritual, emotional, and pastoral care to patients, families, and co-workers while participating in an accredited Clinical Pastoral Education program under the supervision of an ACPE Certified Educator. This role combines clinical ministry experience with professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration in a healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide pastoral and spiritual care to patients, families, and staff.
• Conduct spiritual assessments, develop care plans, and document interventions in the medical record.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary care teams, including participation in patient care discussions and ethical consultations.
• Provide evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday pastoral coverage as assigned.
• Plan and facilitate worship services, memorials, and other spiritual support programs.
• Participate fully in CPE educational activities, including seminars, group discussions, evaluations, and written assignments.
• Maintain compliance with departmental policies, patient confidentiality standards, and safety requirements.
• Demonstrate Mercy's mission, values, and service standards in all interactions.

Requirements

• Graduate theological degree or equivalent training required.
• Must be accepted into Mercy Hospital Springfield's Clinical Pastoral Education Residency Program.
• Experience in pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, or a related faith-based setting preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Ability to provide compassionate care to individuals from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions.
• Understanding of spiritual care, ethics, and pastoral counseling principles.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, email, and electronic documentation systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) experience.
• Progress toward board certification as a chaplain.
• Experience providing spiritual care in a healthcare environment.

Core Competencies

• Spiritual & Pastoral Care
• Compassionate Communication
• Crisis & Grief Support
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Cultural & Religious Sensitivity
• Professional Growth & Reflection
• Documentation & Care Planning
• Patient-Centered Service Excellence

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Tuition support.
• Matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

The CPE program is accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE, Inc), nationally recognized as an accrediting agency in the field of clinical pastoral education by the U.S. Secretary of Education through the U.S. Department of Education.